Gun-lock.



No. 698,440. v v Patented Apr. 29, I902.

D. BROWN.

GUN LOCK.

' A liction mean. 12, 1902. (No Mbdel.) ,2 Sheets-Sheet l.

.m: Ncams PETERS so. n iumuwoq wnsnmaron. u. a

No. 698,440. Paten tedflApr. 29, 1902. D. BROWN.

GUN LOCK.

[Applicgtion filed Feb. 12, 1902.) (No Model.) 2 Shank-Sheet 2.

UNITED STATES PATENT Grates.

DANIEL nRoWN, on ORANSTON, RHODE ISLAND.

GUN-

LOCK.-

SPEGIFIGATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 698,440, dated April 29, 19052. Application filed February 12, 1902. Serial No. 93,735. (No model.)

To all whom it may concern.-

Be it knownthat I, DANIEL BROWN, a citizen of the United States, residing at Oranston, in the county of Providence and State of Rhode Island, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Gun-Locks, of which the following is a specification, reference being had therein to the accompanying drawings.

Like letters indicate like parts.

Figure 1 is a side elevation of my improved gun-look when the set trigger is in its inoperative position. Fig. 2 shows the same at the instant of firing when the set triggeris in its operative position. Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the main trigger and set trigger and shows their positions in relation to each other. Figs. 4 and 5 are detail views; Figs. 6 to 11, inclusive, represent a modified form of my invention.

My invention relates to gun-looks; and it consists of the novel construction and combination of the several parts, as hereinafter particularlydescribed, and specifically set forth in the claims.

In the drawings, A represents the barrel, B the guard, and O a portion of the stock, of a rifle.

D is the hammer, mounted on the pivot E and having the usual safety-notch a and the firing-notchb. Aset-screwc,passingthrough the hammer D, as shown in Fig. 1, has its lower end project from the lower end of the hammer and is adapted to regulate the depth to which the sear of the hammer shall enter the firing-notch b. The hammer is operated by the mainspring F in the usual manner.

G is the main trigger, mounted on the pivot H and having the sear d and the shoulders e. Between the shoulders e is the central longitudinal slotf. The sides of the main trigger G have the holes g.

The set trigger is shown at I. It is mounted upon a pivot, which passes through the holes 9 g of the main trigger G. The upper part of the set trigger I is formed into a curve, as shown at w.

The main-trigger spring J has its forward end resting and pressing downward upon the upper surfaces of the shoulders e of themain trigger. Its opposite end has a series of transverse parallel serrations h. There are two holes through the spring J, as seen at 'i andj. The set-trigger spring K has its forward end bifurcated and formed with two projections, each of which is bent to form a circular bearing, as shown at is. A roller L, having an spring K, and its axle lis received in the circular bearings 70. The opposite end of the spring K is slightly curved "and bent downward and is engageable with any one of the serrations h ofthe main-trigger spring J. The spring K also has an elongated hole m, as seen in Fig. 5.

A screw M passes through the hole m of the spring K and through the hole j of the spring J into the case orframe of the gun-lock. A set-screw N passes up through the case or frame of the gun-lock and through the hole '5 of the spring, wherein it is free, and the upper end of the set-screw N is rounded and bears up against the under side of the spring K.

The roller L of the spring K lies against the upper end of the set trigger I, as seen in Fig. 1, when the set trigger is in its inoperaend of the upper end of the set trigger I, as seen in Fig. 2, when the set triggeris in its operative position.

. Having thus described the several parts of my improved gun-lock, I will now explain its operation.

When the set trigger I and the spring K and its roller L in relation thereto are in the positions respectively illustrated in Fig. 1, the set trigger I is inoperative and only the main trigger G'is used in firing; but when it is desired to have a light pull for more accurate aim the set trigger I is used. When the set trigger I is in its inoperative position, as seen in Fig. 1, the roller L practically bears against the upper end of the set trigger I or just a trifle below it'in order to allow.'the furthermovement illustrated in Fig. 2 whenever desired; but when the set trigger I is moved from the position shown in Fig. 1, where it is parallel to and at a distance from the main trigger G, to the position shown in Fig. 2, where the lower end of the set trigger I is in contact with the main trigger G, the upper curved end a; of the set trigger I is tive position, and beneath the curve a: of the axle Z, is mounted in the bifurcation of the I moved in an arc of a circle rearward, and the said end of the set trigger riding up over the roller L forces said roller downward into and along the inner curve to of said upper end of the set trigger, thereby forcing the spring K downward and putting it under tension, the upper end of the set-screw N serving as a fulcrum over which said spring K is strained downward. The pressure of the spring'J is uniform and constant upon the shoulders e of the main trigger G and is exerted in a downward direction. Said pressure always tends to force downward the shouldered part of the main trigger G, and so to elevate the sear end of the main trigger. Moreover, this downward pressure is exerted in a line substantially at a right angle to the pivot of the set trigger which passes through the holesg of the main trigger G; but the pressure of the spring K when engaged as shown in Fig. 2 is an upward pressure and is practically exerted on a line at a right angle to said pivot in the holes g. Therefore the upward pressure of the spring K connterbalances the downward pressure of the spring J to a degree regulated by the set-screw N and by the adjusted position of the spring K upon the screw M, and so far asit counterbalances the pressure of the spring J it consequently diminishes its eifect upon the main trigger Gr, and to that extent theinfiuence of the spring J upon the main trigger Gr is lessened and the lighter is the pull upon the main trigger re quired to discharge the gun.

It is evident that the settrigger spring K is adjustable in two directions. Its tension is increased by any upward movement of the setscrew N and diminished by any downward movement of the same. The proper location of the roller L with reference to thenpper end of the set trigger I is regulated by means of the elongation of the hole min the spring K, so that the spring K is longitudinally adj ustable along the screw M, and the bent end of the spring K, engaged in whichever one of the serrations h may be proper for the purpose, counteracts the end thrust upon said spring.

The set trigger is most conveniently and quickly pushed or moved into the position illustrated in Fig. 2 (in which the light pull of the main trigger is obtained) by proper movement of the firing-finger. The forward pressure by the nail of that finger gives that motion, and the sportsman knows by said pressure and feeling that the trigger I is set and the gun can be discharged by a light pull. Having thus pushed the set trigger to its operative position in contact with the main trigger, he passes his forefinger forward to place it in front of the main trigger. It is not necessary to bring down the rifle from the shoulder when it is desired to change from the ordinary pull to the light pull or to ascerrain whether the set trigger is in operative position or not, because all that can readily be done by the firing-finger.

It is common in double-trigger rifles that there is a space between the two triggers sufficient to freely permit the passage of a finger between them; but this makes necessary so much of an advanced movement of the firingfinger that there is a liability that said finger will pull the rear trigger instead of the front one. In my improved construction this liability is prevented and the arrangement is more compact and the appearance is improved. \Vith the light pull the sear is prevented from engaging with the safety-notch when the trigger is pulled by the action of the roller L bearing upon the set trigger, both of which as the hammer falls are pressed upward by the preponderance of the tension of the spring K over that of the spring J. The

pressure of the finger upon the trigger G nechair-trigger rifles and which has for its purpose the prevention of the engagement of the sear with the safety-notch. In my improved construction the safety-notch is available if by accident the hammer when cocked is disengaged in any manner (except by a pull on the trigger) from the sear,and the safety-notch will catch the hammer when no pressureis applied to the main trigger when the adjustment has been for that purpose. This improved construction is also safer than that which employs the well-known knock-off principle in set triggers, because the set trigger in case it flies back from the operative position will not discharge the gun, as itdoes when the knock-off construction is used. Any increase of tension upon the spring K by the inward movement of the set-screw N gives a tendency to disengage the sear from the hammer.

In previous forms of gun-locks having both a main trigger and a set trigger it has been common to have the main trigger pushed forward by the forward movement of the set trigger, and therefore a longer reach of the firing-finger is necessary in pulling the main trigger to discharge the gun. from the drawings and the foregoing description of my device that the setting of the trigger I does not impart a forward (or any) movement to the main trigger G, and therefore the reach of the firing-finger is the same whether the trigger I is set or not. The set trigger I is automatic in taking the position shown in Fig. 1 when there is no pressure upon the main trigger G. The proper adjustment of the roller L in relation to the upper end of the set trigger 1 has been previously ascertained by experiment. The spring K, to

which the roller L is attached, is made immovable by screwing down the screw M, which confines it in its relation to the spring J, and

It is evident 7 the requisite end thrust of the spring K is secured by theengagement of its rear bent-end with the proper serration h of the spring J. Thus the proper position of the roller L is secured and maintained, which willnot allow the set trigger I to fly back when there is no pressure on the main trigger G and will not allow the set trigger I to fly back until the hammer has nearly or quite reached the firing-pin after the pressure has been applied. If no fly is used, it is essential to have the parts in correct position; otherwise the contact of the hammer with the sear at the notch may interfere with the fall of the hammer.

As already stated, the tendency of the pull on the main trigger is to afford a good margin or clearance between the sear and the hammernotch, and therefore the required adjustment is not a difficult one to make. The upward throw or impetus of the spring is a means of giving an additional clearance of the point of the sear from the safety-notch. If, however, there is no pressure upon the main trigger, the set trigger will, the instant the sear has vacated the firing-notch, fly back so quickly as to allow the sear to engage the safetynotch, and thus stop the fall of the hammer there.

It is obvious from the drawings and the foregoing description that an upward tendency of the parts in the rear of the pivot H of the main trigger G contributes to the results hereinbefore stated, because the set trigger is attached by its pivot to the main trigger-at a point to the rear of the pivot H of the main trigger, and therefore a mutual.

movement of the main trigger and set trigger is caused.

In Figs. 6 to 11, inclusive, I show a slight modification in the mechanism. In this construction the roller L at the end of the spring K is dispensed with, and in lieu thereof the forward free end of the spring (marked Kin Figs. 6, 7, and 11) is bent, as illustrated. The upper or inner end of the set trigger (which is marked 1 in Figs. 6, 7, and 9) instead of being curved in the arc of a circle has a rearward slightlycurved bend, as shown at z, and which is preferably enlarged to form a head. Said set trigger has its enlargement or hub (midway between its ends) made with a rounded surface, as seen at w. A roller P is mounted by its axle in the slot f of the main trigger G upon a pivot which passes through the holes 1 in the main trigger G. The forward free end of the spring J rests on said roller P. The spring J has no serrations h, asin Fig. 4, but has a screwhole 4;. The spring K has a screw-hole u. A screw Q passes through the hole u of the spring K and through the hole 2: of the spring J into the case or frame of the gunlock. The roller P is for the purpose of avoiding any friction of the spring J upon the main trigger, (marked G in Figs. 6, 7, and

8.) The bent end of the spring K moves freely into and out of engagement with the bentend z of the set trigger I. The operation of the mechanism in this modified construction is substantially the same as in the construction first above described, and the advantages are the same. By the enlargement of the upper end of the set trigger the rifle is made more secure from accidental discharge when theset trigger is in operative position. The extra weight of the upper end of the set trigger, due to the enlarged mass of metal there, makes said trigger more nearly balanced upon its pivot, and thus counteracts the effect of a forcible and careless placing of therifle in an upright position when it is laid aside. In this way the liability of the accidental jarring of the sear out of its engagement with the notch of the hammeris to some degree eliminated.

I claim as a novel and useful invention and desire to secure byLetters Patent-- 1. In a gun-lock, the combination of apivotally-mounted hammer, a hammer-spring, a pivotally-mounted main trigger engageable with said hammer, a set trigger centrally mounted in said main trigger at a point to the rear of the pivotal mounting of said main trigger and having a curved upper end, a spring adapted to bear downward on the main trigger, a spring provided with means adapted to bearupward against the upper curved end of said set trigger and so to tend to counteraot the effect of the main-trigger spring, and means. to secure all said springs in posi tion, substantially as specified.

, 2. In a gun-lock, the combination of a pivotally-mounted hammer, a hammer-spring, a pivotally-mounted main trigger engageable with said hammer, a set trigger centrally mounted in said main trigger at a point to the rear of the pivotal mounting of said main trigger and havinga bent upper end, a spring having a central aperture and also a hole near one end, which spring is adapted to exert a downward pressure upon the main trigger, a spring having a longitudinal slot near one end and provided with means at its opposite end adapted to exert an upward pressure upon the upper bent end of the set trigger, means of securing all said springs in position, a screw passing through the slot of the set-trigger spring and through the said hole in the main-trigger spring into the case or frame of the gun-lock, and a set-screw passing through said case or frame, and loosely through said aperture of the maintrigger spring and bearing against the settrigger spring, substantially as shown.

3. In a gun-lock, the combinationof a,pi :v-

otally-mounted hammer, a hammer-spring, a pivotally-mounted main trigger engageable with said hammer, a set trigger centrally,

mounted on the main trigger eccent'rically thereto and provided with an upper bent end, a spring adapted to exert a downward pressure on the main trigger, a spring adapted to exert an upward pressure on the-upper bent end of the set trigger, means for adjusting said set-trigger spring longitudinally, and means for securing all said springs in position, substantially as set forth.

4. In a gun-lock, the combination of a pivotally-mounted hammer, a hammer-spring, a pivotally-mounted main trigger engageable with said hammer, a set trigger centrally mounted on the main trigger eccentrically thereto and provided with an upper bent end, a spring adapted to exert a downward pressure on the main trigger, a spring adapted to exert an upward pressure on the upper bent end of the set trigger, means adapted to regulate the tension of said set-trigger spring, and means for securing all said springs in position substantially as described.

5. In a gun-lock, the combination of a pivotally-mounted hammer, a hammer-spring, a pivotally-mounted main trigger engageable with the hammer, a set trigger mounted in the main trigger eccentrically thereto, a spring adapted to exert a downward pressure upon the main trigger and a spring adapted to exert an upward pressure upon the set trigger, substantially as shown.

6. In a gun-lock, the combination of a pivotally-mounted hammer, a hammer-spring, a pivotally-mounted main trigger engageable with said hammer, a set trigger mounted upon the main trigger eccentrically thereto and two springs adapted to exert their pressure in directions opposite to each other, one of which springs is adapted to operate on the main trigger and the other of which springs is adapted to operate on the set trigger, substantially as specified.

7. In a gun-look, the combination of a pivotally-mounted hammer, a hammer-spring, a pivotally-mounted main trigger engageable with said hammer, a set trigger mounted upon the main trigger eccentrically thereto,a spring adapted to operate said main trigger provided with a hole near one end and with a series of parallel transverse serrations at said end, a spring adapted to operate said set trigger having one end arched or bent transversely so as to be engageable with either of the serrations of the main-trigger spring and provided with a longitudinal slot near said end, and a screw passing through the slotof the set-trigger spring and through the hole in said main-trigger spring into the frame or case of the gunlock, substantially as described.

8. In a gun-lock, the combination of a pivotally-mounted hammer, a hammer-spring, a pivotally-mounted main trigger engageable with said hammer, a set trigger mounted upon the main trigger eccentrically thereto,a spring adapted to operate said main trigger and provided with two holes and with a series of parallel transverse serrations at one end, a spring adapted to operate said set trigger having a longitudinal slot near one end and said end arched or bent transversely so as to be engageable with either of said serrations of the main-trigger spring, a screw passing through the slot of said set-trigger spring and through one of the holes in the main-trigger spring into the case or frame of the gun-lock, and a set-screw passing through said case or frame and loosely through the other hole in the maintrigger spring and bearing against the under side of the set-trigger spring, substantially as specified.

9. In a gun-lock, the combination of a pivotally-mounted hammer having a firing-notch and a safety-notch, a hammer-spring, a pivotally-mounted main trigger engageable with said hammer in either notch thereof, a set trigger centrally mounted on the main trigger eccentrically thereto and provided with an upper bent end constituting an enlarged head adapted to counterbalance the opposite end of said settrigger, a spring adapted to exert a downward pressure on the main trigger, a spring adapted to exert an upward pressure on the upper end of the set trigger, and means for securing all said springs in position, substantially as described.

In testimony whereof I affix my signature in presence of two witnesses.

DANIEL BRO WN.

Witnesses:

WARREN R. PEROE, HOWARD A. LAMPREY. 

